Is Marijuana Truly Non-Addictive?

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Introduction

Thanks for tuning into another article.  It’s Dr. Chou with the Medical Marijuana Clinic of Louisiana here to answer another question about medical marijuana.

 

 

Is Marijuana Truly Non-Addictive?

It’s something that you’ll see many advocates, and even doctors, claim.  But is it true?  Let’s look at the facts.

 

Marijuana produces a high

Marijuana is well known to produce a high.  That is one of the main appeals of marijuana as a medical treatment, but also another reason why people use marijuana for recreational purposes.

Some of the most abused substances that we know, such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, also produce a high feeling.  So marijuana clearly has a risk for abuse potential due to it’s well documented and well known psychotropic effects.

 

Marijuana is easily obtainable

It’s hard to get addicted to something that is not readily available.  However, marijuana can be bought easily, from the number of states that allow recreational use to getting it off the street.

There are even companies that are illegally selling and shipping marijuana across state lines.

This easy access to marijuana increases the chances that people will abuse it.

 

Inhaled marijuana has a quick effect

Generally, the quicker and shorter the effect, the greater likelihood for addiction.  That’s why for medical usage, we try to avoid short acting medications, like short acting benzodiazepines.

It’s the same for marijuana.  Because inhaling marijuana produces such a quick effect, it’s also more likely to lead to addiction versus a tincture.

 

Addiction potential is well documented

Studies over the course of decades have shown that 10% of marijuana users will become addicted to the product.  In a legal marijuana state like Louisiana where patients are carefully monitored and dosed, there is less likelihood of addiction.

But the risk of addiction is still there.

 

Summary

So when advocate and doctors advertising marijuana as being non-addictive, it’s just not true.

Marijuana has addictive potential and many people do get addicted to it.

That’s why it’s so important to seek advice from an experienced marijuana doctor who can carefully create a treatment plan for you to reduce the chances of developing an addiction.

 

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Doctor Victor Chou, M.D.

Medical Marijuana Clinic of Louisiana

MarijuanaClinicLa.com